‘A Capitol Fourth’ 35th Anniversary Celebration

A Capitol Fourth is held every year before the fireworks show, located in Washington D.C. on the West Lawn. It is hosted by the father-son duo Jerry and Michael Colbert. 2015 marks the 35th anniversary traditional celebration of A Capitol Fourth.

Jerry told sources in an interview, when the event began there were only a series of symphony concerts taking place on the West Lawn. He attended the event in order to broadcast the show for people across the country, so they could have a chance to experience the spectacle. Each year the event grew, and the Colbert’s decided to turn the celebration into a World’s fair which is now known as A Capitol Fourth. Colbert did not think the event would last as long as it has, but each year the turn out has been a huge success. The father-son-duo now has more cameras recording the event and lots of equipment to make it a wonderful experience for their patrons.

Michael told sources it has not always been easy putting the annual event together. In preparation for A Capitol Fourth 35th anniversary celebration, the father-son duo took a year to get the day’s activities together in time for the national holiday. However, by the time the Colbert’s get closer to July 4, almost 500 people are working on the team with the duo.

Independence day brings families and friends together with food, dancing, and fireworks. A Capitol Fourth admissionwill begin at 3 p.m. and run to 8 p.m., it is free of charge and also a good place to view the fireworks show which begins at 9 p.m. There will be performances from the National Symphony Orchestra, Barry Manilow, Hunter Hayes (a country singer), and former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger. The show will have a live broadcast on PBS, and patrons can bring their own food and drinks, but alcohol must stay at home.

The U.S. Air Force band performs for onlookers and groups during the evening of the national day, on the Washington Monument grounds. Families and groups can also attend The National Archives, another event held in D.C. with free admission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are a number of activities for all ages, along with the traditional patriotic music. There is also the Independence Day Parade which features marching bands, red, white, and blue balloons, and floats.

The weather never stops the Colbert’s or circling events from putting on a great show. The Colbert’s told sources one-year people were drenched and continued to sing and dance in the rain when the Pointer Sisters performed. The Colbert’s enjoy hosting A Capitol Fourth because they are able to forget their differences, along with all the other Americans across the country. The father-son duo celebrates the 35th anniversary of A Capitol Fourth with joy knowing they are able to put on another grand event.

By Krystle Mitchell

Sources:

International Business Times: July 4, 2015, Events Washington DC: 11 things to do for Independence Day In the Capital

PBS News Hour: The Father-On team who make A Capitol fourth pop

Christian Today: 4th of July fireworks events in DC 2015: Best places to view in Washington DC- National Mall limited